Popular boiled shrimp recipe enjoyed throughout the South!

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon cold water
• 2 TBS salt
• 12 whole black peppercorns
• 5 whole bay leaves
• 1 large lemon, sliced
• 1 medium onion, quartered (leave skin on)
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 10 whole cloves garlic
• ½ tsp thyme
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 4 sprigs fresh parsley, whole
• 2 TBS sugar
• 2 fresh cayenne peppers, cut in half (or you can use pickled)
• 2 pounds fresh shrimp tails, unpeeled (21-25 count)

Instructions:

1. In a large stock pot over high heat combine all ingredients except shrimp, and bring to a hard rolling boil for 5 minutes, then reduce to a low rolling boil
2. Add the shrimp; once returned to boil, wait 3 minutes then turn off heat; allow shrimp to stand in liquid for 5 more minutes; drain shrimp and serve at once

Serves 4